Research Fellow - College of Social Sciences - 106816 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow to support Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS-UK) in a large-scale effectiveness trial. The ideal candidate will enhance school recruitment, analyse data, and contribute to training materials, promoting literacy among Year 5 pupils. Applicants should have a relevant first degree, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. This full-time role requires dedication to improving education outcomes and advancing research in partnership with local schools.

Qualifications

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree relevant to research area.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.

Responsibilities

• Support school recruitment and delivery of PALS-UK.
• Analyse and interpret data for research purposes.
• Contribute to writing reports and bids.

Skills

High level analytical capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Ability to assess resource requirements

Knowledge of effective relationship management

Understanding of equality and diversity

Education

First degree in area of specialism

Higher degree relevant to research area

Job description

Position Details

College of Social Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2027

Closing date: 5th January 2026

UK travel may be required for this role.

Background

This exciting role will support the delivery of Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS-UK) in a large-scale Education Endowment Foundation funded effectiveness trial. PALS-UK is a research‑informed approach to supporting reading fluency and comprehension through structured paired reading. This trial will focus on its effectiveness for Year 5 pupils in schools in England. The Research Fellow will join Professor Helen Breadmore’s research team in the School of Education, University of Birmingham. The project is a collaboration with Dr Emma Vardy (Nottingham Trent University) and is being independently evaluated by colleagues at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Role Summary

The research fellow will work as part of a team to support school recruitment and delivery of PALS-UK. Tasks will include

• Supporting regional and online recruitment activities, teacher training, and ongoing monitoring and support for schools (including school visits)
• Collecting and summarising data, data management and quality control, sharing key information about recruitment and delivery with the independent evaluators and funder.
• Liaising with and maintain relationships with schools and partner organisations
• Undertaking literature reviews to inform training materials and reports.
• Working within the specified research grant and contribute to writing reports and bids to evidence, sustain and scale the approach beyond the lifetime of the grant.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research‑related activities and research‑related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co‑ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Ability to travel (to deliver training and support schools) using own or public transport

Informal enquiries

Informal enquiries to Helen Breadmore, email: [e-mail]

Use of AI in applications

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.